Preparing for Outpatient Spine Surgery

Though we strive to build trusting relationships with our patients and to empower them with knowledge, spine surgery can be scary. Because of this, your preparations need to be practical and emotional.

Household Preparations a Week Before Surgery

Items that you use often should be placed at arm height so that you don’t need to bend down or stretch to reach them. Paper plates are useful to cut down on cleaning up, and a reacher will take care of the rest of your needs.

Stock your freezer with prepared meals and buy slip on shoes so that you don’t have to bend. Prepare canes, walkers, and crutches as needed. A toilet riser will help you to stand up during the weeks after your surgery. You may need pre-surgery evaluation and EKG. Smoking can increase post-operative infection and can slow your healing, so consider stopping.

Try To Relax

Gather information about your surgery so that your postoperative time goes without a hitch. Consider your personality style when it comes to pain. Information seekers tend to relax more easily into their pain if they have all the data related to their surgery. Information avoiders do better with tools that distract them from their pain. If that’s you, a series marathon is doctor’s orders -- just avoid shows that make you lean off the edge of your seat!

A Day Before Surgery

Some of the most common medications to stop before surgery are warfarin, aspirin, and blood pressure pills. Many of these mustn’t be taken two weeks before your procedure, but our physicians will weigh up the risks of your unique case, so make sure you’re clear on your doctor’s advice.

Remove your jewelry the night before your operation and confirm the time you must arrive for the procedure. Don’t eat or drink from midnight on the night before your procedure, and pack comfortable, loose clothes to wear after the procedure. Arrange a ride home because you’ll be groggy and distracted.

Always defer to your specific doctor's orders, since they vary based on individual patients and procedures. If you have any questions before your surgery, don't hesitate to call.